PSHE and RSE at Millbay Academy
“PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils.”
- PSHE Association
At Millbay Academy, the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic) curriculum is central to our students’ personal development and wellbeing. Students explore a range of themes through timetabled sessions and drop-down events and make informed decisions about their lives. We follow the PSHE Association’s recommended curriculum and adapt the content to suit the needs of our students. We work closely with our Safeguarding Lead, Pastoral Team, Key Stage Leads and partners across the City to ensure our provision is current and relevant to our students.
The right of withdrawal from September 2020
The statutory guidance for RSE and Health Education came into effect in all secondary schools from 2020, including academies, free schools and independent schools.
In secondary education from September 2020:
Parents will not be able to withdraw their child from any aspect of Relationships Education or Health Education.
Parents will be able to withdraw their child (following discussion with the school) from any or all aspects of Sex Education, other than those which are part of the science curriculum, up to and until three terms before the age of 16.
After that point, the guidance states that ‘if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school should make arrangements to provide the child with sex education during one of those terms.’
Where pupils are withdrawn from sex education, schools should document the process and will have to ‘ensure that the pupil receives appropriate, purposeful education during the period of withdrawal.’